The Merchants House is delighted to announce the allocation of £194,000 in grant funding to support over 40 charitable initiatives and community organisations across Glasgow and the West of Scotland. This significant investment reinforces the House’s long-standing commitment to creating meaningful and lasting positive change within local communities.

Lord Dean of Guild, Tony McElroy, said: 

“The Merchants House of Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of supporting charitable work that brings about meaningful and lasting change in our city and beyond. Through this year’s grant awards, we are pleased to support a wide range of organisations whose dedication and commitment are making a real difference in local communities.”

The funds will support a broad range of causes, including education, healthcare and social welfare, reflecting our ongoing dedication to responding to the diverse needs of people across Glasgow and the surrounding regions.

Eco Drama’s Out to Play project

Among this year’s grant recipients is Eco Drama, who have received £3,000 in support of its Out to Play project. They said: 

“Eco Drama is extremely grateful to the Merchants House of Glasgow for supporting our Out to Play project. The grant will allow us to work with more children across Glasgow primary schools, giving them the chance to connect with nature through creative, outdoor, drama-based learning. Across a five-week residency, pupils explore themes like biodiversity, clean air, and climate action while developing confidence, communication, and collaboration skills.”

A grant of £1,500 has been awarded to the Teapot Trust to support the delivery of monthly art therapy sessions at Sickle Cell Disease Clinics in the Haematology Department of the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. The charity said:

“The support of the Merchants House of Glasgow will enable Teapot Trust to provide an essential art therapy Open Group supporting children and young people living with Sickle Cell Disease and their families. The Open Group is facilitated by a professional art therapist who helps the children and young people to feel calm whilst attending hospital appointments. Evidence demonstrates that this support allows children and young people to explore their feelings, build resilience and develop coping strategies.”

Teapot Trust art table

Skills Exchange SCIO has received a £5,000 grant in support of its Skills for a Stronger Wellbeing project, which aims to reduce social isolation and promote emotional resilience. A representative said:

“By nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose, the project helps reduce social isolation, strengthens emotional resilience, and promotes overall wellbeing. The support from Merchants House will enable us to reach more people, foster stronger social networks, and create a lasting positive impact on individuals and the wider community. We are extremely grateful for this generous support.”

Skills Exchange ‘Skills for a Stronger Wellbeing’ project

Lord Dean of Guild, Tony McElroy, added: “

These grants will help charities respond to pressing needs, strengthen community connections, and improve quality of life for people across Glasgow and further afield. We are proud to continue our role in enabling positive change and standing alongside those who work tirelessly to support others.”

Learn more about our charitable work by browsing our Grants Stories.